Facing China, One Taiwan Coast Guard Officer Draws Strength From The Gods

By Yimou Lee, Fabian Hamacher and Ann Wang

PENGHU, Taiwan, June 29 (Reuters) – When Yeh Chih-sheng steps aboard Taiwan Coast Guard vessel CG1005 in the choppy waters of the Taiwan Strait, he brings more than his uniform and orders: he also has temple charms blessed by the gods revered by fishermen for protection at sea.

Yeh is first mate of the 2,400-ton ship based in Taiwan’s Penghu islands, and part of Taipei’s maritime frontline as China asserts its claim of sovereignty over the democratically governed island.

Off duty, he is an assistant priest, or “sio-huat” in Taiwanese,